Growing Ground Cherries
A little-known cousin of the tomatillo, sweet and pineapple-ish, and it drops its own fruit when ripe.
How to Grow Ground Cherries
Planting
Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost, similar timing to tomatoes. Transplant once nights stay reliably above 50°F.
Watering & feeding
Moderate and consistent, ground cherries are fairly forgiving compared to their tomato relatives.
Harvest
Just pick up what’s fallen. The husks turn papery and tan and the fruit drops to the ground on its own when it’s ripe, no guessing required.
Grows Well With
Plant ground cherries near basil and marigolds, similar to tomatoes, they benefit from the same pest-deterring neighbors. See all our companion planting pairs →
When to Plant
Start indoors mid-February, transplant after mid-April once nights are reliably mild. See the full planting calendar →
Buy the Seeds We Use
From the Seed Center
Shop Ground Cherries Seeds
$1.25
From the Kitchen: Recipes Using Ground Cherries
Looking for recipe ideas? Browse the full Recipe Book.